Community Shootaround Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/12/15

December 12th, 2015 at 11:09pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Sixers are reportedly talking to former NBA coach Mike D’Antoni about becoming an associate head coach. D’Antoni has a long relationship with Jerry Colangelo, who joined Philadelphia’s front office this week. With Colangelo and D’Antoni working together both in Phoenix and with USA Basketball, this is an early sign that Colangelo is exerting his newly acquired influence.

D’Antoni has been a head coach with the Nuggets, Suns, Knicks and Lakers, but he doesn’t seem to be a threat to current head coach Brett Brown, who agreed to a two-year contract extension on Friday. Brown is now signed through the end of 2018/19 season, and the front office has expressed support for him despite a 38-149 record since taking over the job before the start of the 2013/14 season.

The Sixers talk often about “trusting the process,” but there are indications that fans, players and even the league is becoming frustrated with the team’s non-competitiveness. The presence of Colangelo in the front office and D’Antoni on the bench would be signs that patience with the process is wearing thin in some circles.

So here’s the topic for today’s Shootaround: Are the Sixers in danger of having too many competing voices, both in the front office and on the bench?

Will Colangelo take too much of the decision making away from GM Sam Hinkie? And would D’Antoni be an experienced complement to Brown or would he give Sixers players the sensation of having two head coaches?

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the subject in the comments section. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/11/15

December 11th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

A report made yesterday by Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops relayed that the Clippers are gauging the interest that other teams have in trading for Jamal Crawford once again. Crawford had been the frequent subject of trade rumors in the offseason, when reports indicated the team explored trading him around draft time and that the Knicks, Heat and Cavs had interest. Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports suggested this week that the Clippers remained open to dealing the 35-year-old shooting guard amid a report that the team recently gauged interest in Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith.

Clippers coach/executive Doc Rivers denied on multiple occasions in the past few days that he’s spoken to anyone about Stephenson and Smith, and he said in September that he’d be “very surprised” if Crawford doesn’t remain with the team through the rest of the season. Any trade talk the Clippers are engaging in at this point is exploratory, a source told Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. Crawford is in the final year of his contract, which pays him $5.675MM. It’s unclear if Miami, Cleveland or New York maintains interest in the veteran.

So here’s the topic for today: Should the Clippers look to trade Jamal Crawford, or is he too valuable a commodity to part with?

Do you believe L.A. would be better served to deal Crawford and try to extract some value from his expiring deal? If so, what sort of return can the team realistically expect? If not, why do you believe Crawford should remain a Clipper? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/10/15

December 10th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

The NBA announced on Wednesday that Hornets center Al Jefferson was suspended for five games without pay for a violation of its anti-drug program. He’ll serve the suspension once he returns from the strained left calf that’s kept him out since the end of last month, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. Jefferson, a Jeff Schwartz client, is poised to hit free agency in the summer, so the timing of the suspension certainly isn’t ideal for the big man. The 30-year-old is earning $13.5MM this season in the final year of the three-year, $40.5MM contract he signed with Charlotte back in 2013.

This brings me to the topic for today: What impact, if any, do you think Al Jefferson’s drug-related suspension will have on his upcoming free agency?

Do you believe that Jefferson’s wallet will take a hit when he inks his next deal, or are you of the opinion that teams will overlook the suspension because of Jefferson’s talent level? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/9/15

December 9th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

A number of teams have inquired about acquiring swingman Shabazz Muhammad from the Timberwolves, according to a report made by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The Nets and the Lakers are fond of Muhammad, according to a report by Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, though both reporters heard from sources who informed them that Minnesota, despite having depth at Muhammad’s position, is unwilling to trade the 23-year-old.

Muhammad’s NBA career didn’t begin to take off until his second season, when he averaged 13.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game, though it should be noted that was over just 38 appearances, including 13 starts. He’s appeared in all 20 contests for the Wolves thus far this season, averaging 8.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per night. The 23-year-old is under contract through the 2016/17 campaign after the team exercised his fourth year option in October.

This brings me to the topic for today: Should Minnesota look to trade Shabazz Muhammad, or is he a player whom the team should retain and continue to develop?

The Wolves currently have ample depth at the wing, and despite Muhammad’s level of talent, he’s stuck behind Andrew Wiggins, Tayshaun Prince, and Zach LaVine on Minnesota’s depth chart. Would it be wise for the team to deal him away if it could obtain a useful rotation piece, or would the Wolves be foolish to trade away an up-and-coming young player who is still on his rookie scale contract? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/08/15

December 8th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

There have been conflicting reports regarding the job security of Nets head coach Lionel Hollins, whose squad is off to a 5-15 start to the 2015/16 campaign. This is not the first time the coach has been rumored to be on the hot seat in Brooklyn, with conflicting reports also surfacing back in January about Hollins’ job security, mere months after he took over the team, though GM Billy King at the time said Hollins was safe and that he liked his demanding approach. Brooklyn signed Hollins in the summer of 2014 to a four-year deal that reportedly could be worth as much as $20MM if the Nets pick up their team option on the final year.

Despite the team’s denials that Hollins may be on the chopping block, it would hardly be the first time that a coach was dismissed after receiving an endorsement indicating his job was secure. Hollins, who was let go by the Grizzlies back in 2013 after a 56-win campaign that resulted in a trip to the Western Conference Finals, said, “The seat is always hot. It was hot when I sat in it for the first time.” Brooklyn is no stranger to coaching turnover, having had four different head coaches since the start of the 2012/13 season.

This brings me to today’s topic: Should Lionel Hollins be held accountable for the state of the Nets?

There’s no denying that the Nets are a bad squad this season, and the coach is usually the first one to take the hit when his team doesn’t perform well. But Hollins isn’t responsible for the Nets’ personnel moves, including the ill-fated trade to sacrifice a plethora of draft picks to the Celtics in exchange for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, which was an epic failure on virtually every level for the franchise.

But what say you? Is Hollins’ coaching style and system the problem in Brooklyn, and would a change benefit the club at this juncture of the season? Or should the franchise look to lay blame elsewhere and retain the veteran coach? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/07/15

December 7th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The first quarter of the NBA season has been dominated by two storylines: 1. The Warriors’ amazing and historic start, with reigning Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry leading them to a 22-0 record; 2. Kobe Bryant‘s retirement announcement, which has turned Lakers’ road games into a farewell tour for one of the league’s all-time greats.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several teams that reached the postseason last season have gotten off to slow or even woeful starts. In the Eastern Conference, the Wizards were expected to make a lot of noise this season after reaching the conference semifinals a year ago. Instead, they entered Monday’s action as one of just four Eastern teams with a losing record.

The Bucks, who lost to the Bulls in six games during the first round, outbid several suitors to win the services of free agent center Greg Monroe in July. They also have several quality young pieces, yet they’re languishing in last place in the Central Division, five games below .500.

The Nets, who lost an opening-round series to the Hawks in six games, re-signed center Brook Lopez and power forward Thaddeus Young but they’re 10 games under .500. Worse yet, they owe a likely high lottery pick to the Celtics.

In the West, the Rockets’ season has already been tumultuous following their appearance in the Western Conference Finals. They have fired head coach Kevin McHale and they’re already seven games behind the Spurs in the division standings. The star-studded Clippers, who got center DeAndre Jordan to flip his free agent commitment to the Mavericks, are just two games above .500.

The Pelicans have been bit by the injury bug but it’s still eye-opening to see a team with superstar power forward Anthony Davis owning a 5-15 record. The Pelicans were supposed to take the next step after their first-round appearance last season with veteran coach Alvin Gentry bringing in a new offensive scheme. But their defense has been a sieve, allowing a league-worst 109 points per game.

This leads us to our question of the day: Which team has been the biggest disappointment during the first quarter of the season?

Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/6/15

December 6th, 2015 at 10:57pm CST by Will Joseph

Pau Gasol recently said he’s “very likely” to opt out of his contract this coming summer. That isn’t too surprising, considering his player option would give him slightly less than $7.7MM next season, a low number for a starting center. What’s more, Gasol will likely secure at least a two-year deal in the open market. While his production is down this year, Gasol is still averaging 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

At 35, Gasol’s best years are behind him, but he appears to have plenty left in the tank. The Bulls will reportedly make a push to re-sign him, but there should be no shortage of potential suitors to compete with for Gasol’s services.

That leads us to the question for today: Which team do you expect Pau Gasol to be playing for next season?

Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what you think. We look forward to learning about what you have to share.

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Community Shootaround

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/4/15

December 4th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Rajon Rondo‘s stock plummeted last season after his trade to Dallas didn’t turn out well for either party, but according to a report by Sean Deveney of The Sporting News, Rondo’s performance thus far for Sacramento has edged his value back into maximum-salary territory. The point guard accepted a one-year, $9.5MM deal from the Kings this past summer, a figure roughly $10MM less than the $19.689MM maximum salary for which he was eligible this season. His projected maximum salary for next season, when he’ll be a 10-year veteran, is $29.3MM.

The Kings are the only team able to ink Rondo for more than four years, and he said earlier this week that he finds the team a fit and that playing with his new teammates has helped his game. He also appears to have formed a strong bond with center DeMarcus Cousins, who told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports recently that he’ll do whatever he can to keep Rondo in Sacramento for the long-term.

So here’s the topic for today: Should the Kings look to re-sign Rajon Rondo, and is he worth a maximum salary deal?

Rondo has been a triple-double machine thus far this season, turning back the clock and channeling his prime years with the Celtics. The 29-year-old’s game is certainly not without its flaws, namely his defense and outside shooting. But in the right environment and with the proper teammates surrounding him, Rondo can be quite an effective floor general. The salary cap is set to increase dramatically next season, which means that a number of players will likely sign deals that would have turned heads if they had been agreed upon this past offseason, and Rondo could certainly be one who falls into that category.

But what say you? Is Rondo remaining in Sacramento past this season a good fit for both the player and the team? If so, then should the Kings pony up whatever it takes to keep in in the fold? Or are you on the other side of the fence and believe that Sacramento would be better served to draw the line salary-wise, and allow Rondo to depart if he receives an outlandish contract offer? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/3/15

December 3rd, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

In a recent column from Chris Mannix of SI.com, the scribe opined that the Rockets need to make a run at hiring former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau. Mannix’s reasoning was that Thibodeau’s hard-nosed defensive approach was needed if the team hoped to maximize the full potential of its roster, as well as revamp its woeful defense. Of course, it would remain to be seen how well Thibs’ personality would mesh with the likes of Dwight Howard and James Harden, neither of whom are well-known for their ability to accept tough coaching. Nevertheless, the idea of the Rockets straying from their preferred run-and-gun style of recent seasons and transitioning into a grittier defensive squad is an interesting one, though it’s no given that Thibs’ system would thrive in the much tougher and faster Western Conference.

This brings me to today’s topic: Should the Rockets make a run at hiring Tom Thibodeau as coach?

Is Thibs’ style just what the franchise needs to move forward in the West, or would his system be a hindrance given the competition in the conference? Could Harden and Howard thrive under Thibodeau, or would this grouping result in more back page headlines than wins? Head to the comments section below to share your thoughts, opinions, as well as best and worst case scenarios if coach Thibs were to join the Rockets. We look forward to what you have to say.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/2/15

December 2nd, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Chuck Myron

Joakim Noah has been gracious in his public remarks about his reduced role on the Bulls this season, but it’s nonetheless easy to tell that he’s frustrated and wants more playing time, as Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com observed after Noah’s comments to the media Tuesday. The season has been rough for the soon-to-be free agent, as new coach Fred Hoiberg benched him in favor of Nikola Mirotic, making Pau Gasol the team’s clear-cut first-string center. Hoiberg nearly reversed course before a game against the Sixers last month and planned to put Noah in at the tip instead of Mirotic, but Noah pulled up lame during warmups and didn’t play in the game at all.

Hoiberg has kept Noah on the bench since that night, and entering Wednesday’s game, he’s averaging 20.6 minutes per contest, the fewest of his career. Noah is only scoring 3.1 points a night, a number that seemed unfathomable two years ago, when he was the All-NBA First Team center.

It’s a nightmarish scenario for the Bill Strickland client who turns 31 in February and whose contract is up at season’s end. It also presents a tricky situation for the Bulls, since Gasol can opt out at the end of the season and hit free agency, too. Chicago, which entered the season with two marquee centers, could have zero by the end of July.

That leads to our question of the day: What should the Bulls do with Joakim Noah?

Shoehorning him into the starting lineup next to Gasol wouldn’t fit with Hoiberg’s offensive philosophy or with the league’s movement toward small ball. Trading Noah would present its own difficult circumstances, since his value is probably at an all-time low, and any team that trades for him is liable to see him walk away in free agency this coming summer. Noah has played with heart and has no doubt become an important figure in the Chicago locker room over the years, but the demotion has apparently placed a strain on him, and there’s no telling how much longer he’ll continue to affect a positive attitude. The Bulls could replace Gasol with Noah in the starting lineup, since Gasol’s numbers are off this season, too, but that might only create a similar set of problems.

So, what say you? What can the Bulls do to make the best of this situation? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.